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Lufthansa Plans 4,000 Job Cuts by 2030, Citing AI and Efficiency Drive
Germany-based airline Lufthansa has announced plans to eliminate approximately 4,000 jobs globally by 2030, primarily in administrative roles. The move is part of a broader corporate restructuring initiative aimed at boosting efficiency and profitability through the expanded adoption of artificial intelligence and digital automation.
The job reductions are largely focused on administrative positions within Germany. Lufthansa Group stated that these cuts are integral to a “digitalization, automation and process consolidation” strategy, where AI is expected to take over tasks currently performed by humans. The company specifically noted that it is reviewing corporate activities that will “no longer be necessary in the future,” citing “duplication of work” and the increased efficiency brought by digitalization and AI.
In addition to the workforce changes, Lufthansa’s “turnaround” plan includes expanding its international footprint in markets such as Portugal and Canada over the next several years. The airline also intends to deepen its integration with network partners—Swiss, Austrian, Brussels Airlines, and ITA Airways—through organizational and process adjustments. Furthermore, Lufthansa anticipates acquiring more than 230 new aircraft by 2030, including at least 100 long-haul planes.
Analysts have responded favorably to Lufthansa’s long-term financial projections. The company expects an adjusted free cash flow exceeding $2.9 billion annually. Following the announcement, Lufthansa’s stock shares saw a 0.9% increase in morning trading and have gained 25% in value since the start of the year.
Lufthansa has recently navigated challenges including staff strikes, increased competition, and operational delays. The airline’s decision aligns with a broader global trend of corporations integrating AI into their operations, leading to significant workforce adjustments across various industries. Other prominent examples include Salesforce, which reduced its headcount, and British telecommunications giant BT, which announced plans to cut 40% of its workforce by 2030, with 20% expected to be replaced by AI.
As AI adoption accelerates, international discussions on its responsible deployment are also gaining traction. Joanna Shields, Britain’s former minister of Internet Safety & Security, recently emphasized the need for artificial intelligence to be “sovereign, responsible & inclusive,” echoing conversations at bodies like the United Nations General Assembly regarding nations’ capacity to participate in the burgeoning AI economy.